Back to Church Sunday spreads around the Globe

PEOPLE in churches all over Britain, and for the first time, in other parts of the world, will be backing Back to Church Sunday on September 28 and inviting a friend back to church with them.

Thirty eight Church of England dioceses, including Chelmsford, will join with Churches Together in
Scotland, the Church in Wales, Baptist, Methodist and United Reformed churches nationwide, Elim Pentecostal churches and Anglican churches in New Zealand and Canada.

This represents major growth for Back to Church Sunday, which began in Manchester in 2004 with
the message 'Missing You', and spread to Wakefield in 2005, nine Church of England dioceses in 2006 and 20 in 2007, when 20,000 people came back to church in one day.

Research by the Diocese of Lichfield after last year's Back to Church Sunday suggested that
6,000 people came back to church on that day and that, six months later, between 700 and
900 (12-15 per cent) had become regular members.

About a further 3,000 are still in touch with their inviting churches and may have come to church at
Christmas or attended a social event. Ven Bob Jackson, the Archdeacon of Walsall, said: "People invite their friends on Back to Church Sunday with no strings attached.

"We know many people will gladly respond to this. What we've proved is that up to 15 per cent
like it so much they want to come back for good. No wonder Back to Church Sunday has been such an encouragement."

For more information, contact Revd Charlie Kosla on 01245 294419.

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